A collaborative effort between Memorial
Hermann-TMC and the department of Otorhinolaryngology at The University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School,
the Head and Neck Cancer Program offers state-of-the art care for patients with
tumors of the head and neck. Patients have immediate access to new medical and
surgical therapies, including organ-preservation therapy using chemotherapy and
radiation, minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid surgery, robotic
thyroidectomy, transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and transoral robotic surgery
(TORS). Those who qualify have the opportunity to participate in clinical
trials of treatments not otherwise available.
Our patients have immediate access to
multidisciplinary management expertise including oncologic and reconstructive
surgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy, oral surgery, pathology,
neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, pain medicine, speech therapy, voice
restoration and nutrition services. Following the removal of large tumors, we
offer the possibility of immediate reconstruction by a fellowship-trained
facial and plastic reconstructive surgeon with attention to both function and
cosmesis. Our goal is the eradication of cancer with a minimum of side effects
for the patient.
Scope of Expertise
- Malignancies of the tongue
- Diseases and neoplasms of the oral
cavity (lips, gums and soft and hard palates)
- Diseases and neoplasms of the
oropharynx (soft palate, tonsils and tongue base)
- Diseases and neoplasms of the throat
and voice box (pharynx, larynx, trachea)
- Diseases and neoplasms of the nose
and paranasal sinuses
- Malignancies of the thyroid and
parathyroid
- All other types of head and neck
cancer
- Treatment of the secondary effects
of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy
Treatment
We are committed to innovation in the
treatment of complex malignancies and to close collaboration with referring
physicians. Once a diagnosis has been made, we have at our disposal the most
advanced treatment options available, including state-of-the-art medical
therapy and surgery using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
Reconstructive Surgery
Our facial and plastic reconstructive
surgeon offers specialized procedures and services for the repair of facial and
head/neck deformities resulting from tumor removal and skin cancer excision.
Our ability to perform microvascular free-tissue transfer allows us to
reconstruct the most complex of secondary facial defects, with the goal of
achieving maximal restoration and improvement in patients’ self-confidence.
Innovation and Robotics
Approved by the FDA in December 2009 for
transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for resection of tumors of the tongue and
throat, the da Vinci® Surgical System offers advantages beyond traditional
surgical approaches to the throat, especially in the region of the tonsils and
tongue base. Rather than having to divide the lower lip or divide the mandible
in the midline, our surgeons can approach these tumors directly through the
mouth using the da Vinci robot. The robot’s camera allows for visualization
around structures such as the tongue, providing a highly magnified
three-dimensional view.
Patient-Centered Care
Our philosophy of patient-centered care
includes respect for each patient’s values, preferences and expressed needs;
the coordination and integration of care; communication and education; physical
comfort and emotional support; and the involvement of family and friends in the
treatment and recovery process.
Referrals
To refer or schedule a patient, please call
713.486.5000.
Research
The value of bench research and clinical
trials in advancing quality of care and improving outcomes is undisputed. From
the patient perspective, participation in a clinical trial carries controlled
risks and offers significant advantages in terms of very close and personalized
long-term follow-up. It also offers patients treatment options that would otherwise
be unavailable to them.
As the primary teaching hospital for the UTHealth Medical School,
Memorial Hermann-TMC is positioned on the frontiers of medicine, creating
innovative programs of care, engaging in leading-edge research and promoting
education, all of which improve human health and well-being.
Current Issues in Otorhinolaryngology
If you would like to receive our
enewsletter on current issues in otorhinolaryngology, please
contact us at 713.486.5000 or
request a subscription online at www.ut-ent.net.
Meet the Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Team
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Board-Certified Otolaryngologist
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Residency: Washington University School of Medicine
Clinical Interests: Head and neck oncologic surgery; robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgery, including transoral robotic surgery (TORS); management of thyroid and parathyroid disorders, including diagnostic ultrasonography; treatment of salivary gland disorders; surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses; and evaluation of voice and swallowing problems
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Board-Certified Otolaryngologist
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Residency: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School
Fellowship: The University of Texas System M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Head and Neck Surgical Oncology)
Clinical Interests: Head and neck oncologic surgery; minimally invasive surgery including transoral robotic surgery (TORS); surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses; thyroid and parathyroid disorders; salivary gland cancers; skin cancer surgery; improving functional outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical treatments of head and neck cancers; minimally invasive treatments for head and neck cancers; and organ preservation protocols for selected cancers
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Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
Specialty Interests: Aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries of the face; rhinoplasty; microvascular free-tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction; facial reanimation
procedures for patients with facial paralysis; reconstructive surgery of facial skin cancer defects
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